James Milner says no to England

England's team for the upcoming World Cup in Russia is far from certain at this stage and some fine recent form from Liverpool midfielder James Milner has led some to call for Gareth Southgate to persuade the 32-year-old to come out of international retirement for the competition. 

Jurgen Klopp has shown that he is a keen supporter of the midfielder at Anfield and Milner's assist for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during their 3-0 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday saw him equal the record of eight Champions League assists in a single campaign, something that he has done in just seven appearances and puts him alongside Wayne Rooney and Neymar. 

The former Leeds United, Aston Villa and Manchester City midfielder, who was often used as a left-back last season, made sixty-one appearances for his national team between 2009 and 2016 before calling it a day and the Daily Star reports today that he will turn down any approach from the Three Lions' coach. 

Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are two Liverpool midfielders who will wear the England shirt this summer and Southgate would like to be able to use the experience of Milner alongside them as England hope to put in a long overdue performance at a major tournament. 

Before England kick off their World Cup against Tunisia in June, they have two last opportunities to find their best team when they take on Nigeria and Costa Rica before flying out to Russia, although it looks likely that they will be doing so without James Milner.